Chamber’s Ludwig makes Manitoba’s U.S. trade council

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This article was published 24/02/2025 (207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon Chamber of Commerce vice-president Jennifer Ludwig has been appointed to Manitoba’s U.S. Trade Council, president Lois Ruston told the Sun.

The council, established by Premier Wab Kinew, aims to support the province’s response to U.S. tariffs and strengthen trade relations.

Ruston explained the appointment is significant to both chamber members and all businesses in Westman.

“The chamber was pleased to advocate for a seat on Manitoba’s U.S. Trade Council, with our vice-president, Jennifer Ludwig, being recently appointed,” she said in an interview Saturday. “Jennifer will represent our members and all businesses in Brandon and Westman on this important working group and bring valuable information back to our region.”

Inter-provincial trade barriers will continue to be on the agenda for this council in the weeks and months ahead, the president added.

Ludwig expressed her enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring that businesses in Brandon and the Westman area have a voice in discussions surrounding U.S. trade policies.

“It’s an honour. I’m looking forward to being able to help the Westman community and just making sure that our opinions are being heard at the provincial level,” she said in an interview on Saturday.

“There’s been a meeting scheduled for the end of February, which is in Winnipeg, so I’ll be travelling in to have my first meeting with the group. They have had one previous meeting.”

The aim, she said, is to ensure that local businesses’ concerns are recognized, particularly regarding potential tariffs and cross-border trade challenges.

“Through my role as vice-president of the Chamber, I’m trying to make sure that businesses in Brandon and the Westman area are heard appropriately with their concerns regarding U.S. tariffs.”

To gather input from affected businesses, Ludwig has been actively engaging with the public through the Chamber’s social media channels and through her email: Jennifer.Ludwig@superthrifty.com.

“We’re not necessarily just wanting to hear from our Chamber members. This is for everyone that tariffs may affect. So I am hoping that businesses and anyone affected by the potential tariffs being put in place by the U.S. will reach out.”

While no specific concerns have been raised yet, Ludwig acknowledged that businesses engaged in cross-border trade will likely face challenges related to price increases and transportation logistics.

Despite the challenges, Ludwig remains hopeful that the council will provide a platform to relay concerns to both the provincial and federal governments.

“I am hopeful that the concerns that are brought forward are heard, and we can provide a concerted and unified message to the premier and our federal government when dealing with the U.S. government about trade,” Ludwig said. “I’m also hopeful that we will be able to get the information needed to help our local businesses navigate if and when tariffs are put into place.”

Kinew emphasized the council’s role in ensuring Manitoba businesses are supported during trade negotiations.

“Unity is our strength right now, which is why we’ve pulled together this council with representation from business, labour and Indigenous governments. We’re going to stand up for Manitoba workers and the businesses that power our economy. This table will provide us with ideas and hear the needs of businesses and workers that we should respond to.”

The U.S. Trade Council includes representatives from key industries such as mining, forestry, agriculture, manufacturing, and bioscience, as well as Indigenous leadership.

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